My same sentiments as what has been said above by Marie and Maarten. Very touching words.
Thank you Jarkko and everyone involved in making the bench happen. Its been a long process and I am grateful for all the devotion and hard work that went into it.
I am so glad Leonard knew about the bench and for us to be able to see the pictures and videos of it.
How beautiful! Thank you again Jarkko in particular. Spectacular!
Leslie

I went to Hydra last week and sat on Leonard's bench - an amazing view - it is a very good position for it.
Has anything been decided about what to do with the excess funds donated towards the cost of the bench? May I suggest that a small part of it is spent on planting a couple of trees either side to give a little shade to those resting there.
I recall that someone suggested something to do with animals. One possibility may be a shelter and/or a water trough for those poor horses and donkeys standing in the sun all day in the harbour.

Such a beautiful expression of so many [if truly not all] of our feelings, Marie. We loved and still love Leonard so much. I'm grateful for everything that was done to make this reality. Jarkko has been priceless in the process. Thanks, too, for our essential help from the people on Hydra who were instrumental in this coming to fruition. Special gratitude that Leonard died knowing it would be so.

"Leonard Cohen has lived on Hydra for many years. He always came back. This bench with a stunning view of the sea is a tribute to him."

And some of the comments to her post:

fashionablylaw: Most amazing tribute to a wonderful man! And as you say, he would have loved it as it's a magical place!
styleclosup: love his music; enjoy that magical island
simonbuist: I was becoming a man with his music!!
scarlettesse: It's such a great tribute to him; lovely place and absolutely gorgeous setting
lamourjolie: Georgous piece of history
pearlscaramel: Such a brilliant idea!
chiccarpediem: Gorgeous history
laura.bhrd: A lot to discover there
Hope you are enjoying your trip
silviaaddias: Love!
suzannedelahunty: How lovely
bingandella: Such a beautiful place. No wonder he loved it there